Founded in 2020, EPFL Xplore has become a leading student association at EPFL, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of Space Robotics. With a passionate team of over 100 members, we develop cutting-edge robotic systems, compete in international challenges like the European Rover Challenge, and foster the next generation of robotics talent. EPFL Xplore is organized into four poles:

Education Pole

We host an annual internal competition where teams of five students are challenged to build a mini rover from scratch. Thanks to our coaches, we provide guidance and support to help them successfully complete their tasks. This project gives students practical skills and a chance to experiment, learn, and innovate in a collaborative environment.

Competition Pole

The Competition Pole is developing each year the next-generation of our rover and drone to participate in the European Rover Challenge (ERC). Our rover features autonomous navigation, custom-built electronic boards, a robotic arm for objects and panel manipulation, and a drilling system for deep soil sampling, all crucial to complete the mission given by the Science Team. With a focus on automation and robustness, our team of approximately 60 students is always striving to push the capabilities of our rover further. In just 5 iterations, the pole has achieved 4 podiums with a first place in 2025!

Research Pole

The Research Pole addresses complex challenges that deepen our knowledge and strengthen collaborations with academic laboratories and industry partners. Past projects include the development of a legged robot for advanced mobility and the design of a low-cost plastic recycling machine. Starting 2025, we support student-initiated projects in the field of space robotics. Space robotics focuses on addressing exploration, autonomy, and navigation challenges inspired by real space missions, using Earth-based prototypes to develop resilient and mission-ready technologies.

Support Pole

Finally, we also have the Support Pole with th Communication handling the social networks and the external connections, the Sponsoring, which manages the partnerships with the companies and organizations supporting us and the Logistics.